Quote from: Nero on July 23, 2007, 03:56:55 PM

Quote from: Tink on July 22, 2007, 04:58:11 PM

Quote from: Nerowhat we need in this country is health care and treatment for all TS not just the ones who can afford it.

True.  We need a lot of things in this country, but if we are going to wait for these things to magically happen, we will be 100 years old or dead by the time they do.  I believe that Thundra gave excellent tips on how to save for SRS.  For some, it may sound like "winning the lottery" or pure "theory".  Well, sorry to disappoint you kitty cats but it can be done.

As I said on a different topic, I know people who come from the poorest neighborhoods in the city where I am from.  People who have had to deal with extreme poverty, drug addiction and many other things but who have managed to climb to the surface.  Have you read the story of Christine Beatty (to name someone who is known in the community)?  Well, I know several "Christine Beattys" whose names are not famous or recognizable in the TG community but who have followed exactly the same path.  No one is saying that it is an easy thing to accomplish.  In fact, it is one of the hardest challenges anyone can overcome, but it isn't an impossibility...so what are you going to do?  wait for the fairy Bushy to give us free health care or try to accomplish what you need yourself? Huh?

tink

Oh I agree. I was just lamenting the health care situation in this country. I am very fortunate. If I want something (anything, my folks will foot the bill. (not rich, but spoilt) But many TS are out there risking their lives for the funds to have surgery and what not and that saddens me.

Oh I perfectly understood what you meant.  This is why I provided Christine Beatty's link.  She did not grow up in an affluent family; she, in fact, risked her life many times trying to save the money for the surgeries she wanted to have done.  Her story is very inspiring, and I would recommend it to any person (TS or non-TS) who thinks that coming out of the pit is mere fantasy or a theory which has not been proven.

tink

Quote from: Lisbeth on July 24, 2007, 09:55:05 AM

Quote from: Nero on July 22, 2007, 02:07:53 PM
what we need in this country is health care and treatment for all TS not just the ones who can afford it.

Yes, socio-economic status is a big determinant of transition outcome, but it goes far beyond just the health care system.  There are many costs other than therapy, hormones, and surgery.  What do you do when the cost of electrolysis mounts up?  Let alone even one session of laser?  What if you need voice therapy?  Hair replacement or wigs?  These are all things that are out of pocket expenses. 

And they're not just yes/no problems.  If you spend $1000 on electrolysis the outcome will be better than if you only spend $500.  How much is enough?  How much money you have is going to affect your answer.

$500 is what is costs per session appointment in the U.K for laser....so you can imagine what the total of about 12 would be altogether...

In comparison the treatment in the U.S is much cheaper than the U.K, the cost of living is cheaper, the cost of fuel is cheaper (about a third), the cost of houses is cheaper...etc...etc..

In the U.K a large amount of our earnings go on taxes.........in this country the higher earners will have a better chance of accessing treatment. But it's not a class thing...

Does everything here on Susan's have to degenerate into a dichotomous argument?

Yes, the US of stinkin' A needs national healthcare.

No, we do not have it currently, so you can complain about it, or do something about it.

It would help if those of you that are successful thru your own efforts could be so humble as to refrain from beating those over the head that are not successful as yet, with the familiar chorus of "you have to try harder!"

It is human nature to be jealous of or resentful toward someone that has something you need, but cannot have. Duh!

Now all of you kids play nice, cause I can't always be here to tell you to behave, OK?

We need less arguing, and more empathy. Ever hear of mentoring? It works.  Try it.

Quote from: Buffy on July 18, 2007, 12:56:08 PM

Quote from: Godiva on July 18, 2007, 12:25:05 PM
What social class are the doctors and other medical care givers from that serve the transgender community?

Godiva.

Rich

Buffy

Lol.  you're right.  American surgeons are very costly.  The average trans woman in the States needs to spend an average of U$80,000 to U$100,000 if she wants (all) the surgeries done by the best of the best of surgeons.  FFS costs an average of U$40,000 with one famous FFS surgeon in Illinois plus GRS, hair removal, breast implants, hormones, therapy.   People have got to have good employment, be kinda rich, sell personal property to afford surgeons or go to Thailand.

Quote from: Yvonne on July 25, 2007, 03:01:33 AM
[
Lol.  you're right.  American surgeons are very costly.  The average trans woman in the States needs to spend an average of U$80,000 to U$100,000 if she wants (all) the surgeries done by the best of the best of surgeons.  FFS costs an average of U$40,000 with one famous FFS surgeon in Illinois plus GRS, hair removal, breast implants, hormones, therapy.   People have got to have good employment, be kinda rich, sell personal property to afford surgeons or go to Thailand.

Still possibly Cheaper than the U.K....

IF you get the nhs to play ball, if not, its just as expensive...

Quote from: Rachael on July 25, 2007, 10:41:09 AM
IF you get the nhs to play ball, if not, its just as expensive...

The NHS have never played ball with me even though I have complied with every rule, the HBSOC and every clinic protocol thrown at me...

Quote from: LynnER on July 21, 2007, 05:32:18 AM
I dont even qualify as lower middle class... Im in downright poverty class... Ive never made more than 10k in a year.

I understand.  I used to be in the poverty class making minimum wage for a family of 4, but I have worked my way up since.  It's taken 10 years though.  It's also one reason I know it would have been more challenging transitioning 10 years ago.

Quote from: LynnER on July 21, 2007, 05:32:18 AM
and I dont qualify for any unless I go for one that charges you the cards limit in fees just to activate it or get a secured one through a bank after begging and bribeing the board of directors. and even then to get a 200$ card you have to have 300$ in saveings and thats frozen... to up the limit you have to put more money in... and to save money you have to have an excess of funds beyond the basic liveing requirements.

Those cards work surprisingly well.  I had one for about a year and I made payments on time (they are flexible too since they are helping you rebuild credit and don't report late payments many times).  Anyways, I now have normal credit cards that I got once I built my credit up enough.

Quote from: LynnER on July 21, 2007, 05:32:18 AM
If I need to see the doctor Im totaly screwed... I cant afford anything other than the free clinic... and even then its allmost imposable to get the point across that just because Im white dosnt mean I have money!!
Honestly the only reason Im able to transition is cheap meds in mexico and goodwill haveing cheap if not allways well fitting clothes.

That's the secret.  You just need to be resourceful when conditions are not in your favor.  Here's a secret: Life rarely is in your favor.  Even when you think you have succeeded in making something in your favor, there will be something else that challenges you.

About ten years ago, I got a secured Visa, ten years later, I have over a 100k in available credit.